For traders focused on macro factors, the Federal Reserve's moves often determine the overall rhythm of the crypto market. There are a total of 8 FOMC rate decision meetings scheduled for 2026, with dates already set. Here's a clear overview.

The key meetings in the first half of the year are concentrated in January, March, April, and June. The first decision on January 27-28 marks the start of the new year, followed by the meetings on March 17-18 and June 16-17—these should be particularly noted, as they will simultaneously release economic forecasts and dot plots, which often trigger strong market reactions. The interim meeting on April 28-29 is a regular session.

In the second half of the year, vigilance remains essential, with meetings scheduled for July, September, October, and December. The meetings on September 15-16 and December 8-9 are also major events with economic forecasts and dot plots, especially since the December decision at year's end usually garners significant attention. The meetings on October 27-28 and July 28-29 serve as periods of adjustment.

All meetings follow the same schedule: rate decisions are announced at 2:00 PM Eastern Time, which is roughly 2-3 AM Beijing Time the next day. This means that if you're trading domestically, many important decisions will be announced late at night or in the early morning, so be prepared in advance.

Overall, out of the 8 meetings in a year, 4 will include more detailed economic data and policy guidance. These special meetings are often key turning points for the market. It's recommended to keep this calendar handy and plan your trading strategies accordingly.